LA was quite a trip. We got stuck an extra day which worked out great for fun, but messed me up, work-wise.
Top of the bill, the ROCKETEER screening:
The film was shown at Disney's El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood (my first time there). It was a new digital print, and it looked wonderful. The FX weren't cleaned up in any way. But they DID digitally paint out the wire dragging the 'crashing' GeeBee down the runway, from the beginning of the film.
Joe Johnston introduced the film, saying "I KNEW someday this film would be popular
!" Apparently, not only was it the 20th anniversary of the film, but also the El Capitan's re-opening. THE ROCKETEER was the inaguaral release for the refurbished El Capitan, 20 years ago. Cool!
We saw star Bill Campbell getting mobbed for autographs in the aisle, even signing a few helmets! Tiny "Lothar" Ron was also there!
The film looked and sounded great, and everyone cheered and applauded (and laughed) at all the right places throughout the film. Dave Stevens' mom and sister were in attendance, as well. Sadly, Dave's mom passed away Wednesday night, only a day or so after the screening. Very sad news. We ran into her at dinner before, and exchanged the usual pleasantries. She seemed in good health, and high spirits.
After the screening, there was a panel discussion hosted by Kevin Smith(!) and featured Joe Johnston, star Bill Campbell, makeup legend Rick Baker, screenwriters Danny Bilson & Paul De Meo, and comics legend Bill Stout. Kevin Smith brought everything down to his own level, providing 2 things: laughs galore, and the prevention of the panel EVER making it on to a Disney BluRay. F-bombs GALORE.
Some funny bits
.
While discussing starring in his first film, Bill Campbell was relating how much fun he had, but that he also, being young, got into some mischief on-set. To which Joe Johnston waited a beat and then said "Yeah, but she's not HERE tonight, Bill
" The audience HOWLED and Campbell visibly blushed (he and Jennifer Connelly had a well-publicized relationship during filming). Campbell then said "Aww
. That's NOT what I meant
.." Kevin Smith pointed out that there was VISIBLE onscreen chemistry between the two (more blushing) and asked Johnston "Did you ever have to tell them 'Guys? I said CUT
'" to which Johnston joked "Naw; I wanted to watch!" Campbell looked MORTIFIED.
All-in-all, a great experience. Afterwards, they walked everyone down to the Hollywood Museum, where they had props and costumes from the film on-display, as well as 2 separate dealers tables. One for DISNEY, and one for the Stevens Estate. There was a cool t-shirt and print for the event, as well a VERY limited-edition giclee of the Hughes Aviation World's Fair 1939 art you see Howard Hughes chuck in the fire in the film. They only made 20 of them, and did I get one? You bet. I never knew it was Dave Steven art, AND it's got my name on it. How could I not?
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Also, please don't forget to grab a Cosplay For A Cause calendar [link]
Some of the loveliest ladies in cosplay have joined forces to help with disaster relief in Japan. Check out the site, order a calendar, and help a good cause. Also, the gals make 2012 pretty easy in the eyes!
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My 2011 convention schedule, as it stands:
March 4 - 6........................Emerald City ComicCon, Seattle
March 18 - 20....................C2E2, Chicago
April 1 - 3..........................WonderCon, San Francisco
April 30 - May 1............... Boston ComicCon, Boston
May 21 - 22.......................Big Wow Con, San Jose, CA
June 3 - 5..........................Heroes Con, Charlotte
July 20 - 24.......................San Diego ComicCon, San Diego
September 20something.....Paris gallery show
October 13-16...................NYCC, New York City
November 18-20...............Thought Bubble, Leeds, UK












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